SD Raiders Futsal Run Riot to Clinch FPL2 Open Women’s Crown
SD Raiders Futsal produced a dominant display to defeat West City Crusaders 4–1 and claim the Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s title at The Centre – Dural on Saturday afternoon.
After falling just short last season, the Raiders went one step further in 2025, controlling the Grand Final from the outset with an assured performance built on possession, patience and clinical finishing.
SD Raiders enjoyed the majority of the ball in the opening exchanges, probing for gaps in a well-organised Crusaders defence. West City were not without their chances early, with Charlotte Owen and Kitwarla Mkali both testing Raiders goalkeeper Courtney Franks, who stood firm to repel the efforts.
Jessica Neville went closest for the Raiders in the early stages, forcing Crusaders custodian Laura Tredinnick into a sharp punch wide. The breakthrough arrived in the 6th minute when Taiana Almeida danced past the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to open the scoring.
The Raiders continued to press. A slick give-and-go released Abigail Boag, who was denied, while Almeida and Boag both had further efforts saved by Tredinnick as the Crusaders were forced to defend resolutely.
Owen remained the Crusaders’ main outlet, twice digging out shots that were swept clear. She went close again from a set piece, driving towards goal before the Raiders defence nodded the danger away. Crusaders kept fighting for an equaliser, with Brooke Slaughter going close before Owen rattled the post with a fierce strike.
SD Raiders finished the half on top, Isabella Sultan driving toward goal only to be denied by a strong leg save as the Raiders carried a 1–0 lead into the break.
The Raiders wasted no time extending their advantage after halftime. In the 23rd minute, Sultan burst down the byline and cut the ball back for Neville to tap home and make it 2–0. Just a minute later, it was double delight as Boag cut past several defenders and the goalkeeper before rounding the ball into the net for 3–0.
Crusaders pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest. Owen found space and fired straight at Franks before seeing another set piece slammed into the Raiders wall and cleared.
SD Raiders put the result beyond doubt in the 31st minute. Neville delivered a superb assist for Almeida, who poked home her second goal of the match to make it 4–0.
West City did manage a consolation goal shortly after, with Isabella Preston curling a free kick into the top corner to reduce the margin to 4–1. The Raiders, however, remained composed, with Sultan going close to adding a fifth as her effort sailed over the bar.
SD Raiders comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to be crowned Futsal Premier League 2 Open Women’s Champions.
Post-match, a jubilant Raiders coach Jonathan Webb praised his side’s season-long efforts.
“We worked hard all season to get here with a clear objective,” Webb said. “We built depth throughout the year and it’s a fantastic group of girls to work with. It was a good performance to round off the season.”
Match Details
Saturday 20 December 2025
The Centre – Dural
West City Crusaders 1 (Preston 32’)
SD Raiders Futsal 4 (Almeida 6’, 31’, Neville 23’, Boag 24’)
West City Crusaders:
Laura Tredinnick, Kitwarla Mkali, Samantha Collins, Brooke Slaughter, Charlotte Owen, Paige Williams, Tamika Richardson, Isabella Preston, Holly Pender
Yellow cards: Owen 28’, Preston 33’
Red cards: Nil
SD Raiders Futsal:
Courtney Franks, Aliyannah Webb, Jessica Neville, Angelique Webb, Abigail Boag, Layne Knight, Taiana Almeida, Dione King, Elena Topalidis, Anjelica Williams, Isabella Sultan, Ava Zaami
Yellow cards: Boag 32’
Red cards: Nil
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
